Design before function: Apple Magic Mouse 2 can’t be used while charging

Apple has a reputation for making lovely pieces of electronics, but sometimes get so caught up in the aesthetics that they make a mistake on the usability side. For example, last year’s bendable iPhones that were oh so thin and sexy. Apple just released a new version of the multitouch-enabled Magic Mouse, and the design of the first one has been refined. You can’t use it while it’s charging, but hey, it looks nice.

The first Magic Mouse had a battery door on the bottom that housed two AA batteries. This was admittedly an inelegant solution for the company that pioneered the sealed-in smartphone battery. Apple did end up selling its own line of rechargeable AA batteries, though. When the mouse ran low on juice, you could simply pry open the door and pop in some new batteries. Not so with the Magic Mouse 2.

Apple has chosen to go with a built-in rechargeable battery this time, which is not uncommon for wireless mice. What is uncommon is where Apple decided to put the lightning port for charging. It’s hidden from view on the bottom of the mouse. That preserves the mouse’s clean lines, but it also means you have to lay the mouse on its side to charge it, thus you can’t use it. The iPhone thing was a mistake, but this was clearly a willful attempt to make the mouse look nice at the expense of usability.

According to Apple, the Magic Mouse 2 shouldn’t need to be recharged often, at least. A full charge takes about two hours and lasts two months. Two minutes of juice is enough for a full day as well. This is, of course, based on Apple’s often optimistic battery life claims. Your mileage may vary, and when it does, you won’t be able to use your mouse.